On February 2, 2025, French television audiences tuned in to witness the dramatic conclusion of Daniel Craig's tenure as the iconic James Bond with the broadcast of 'Mourir Peut Attendre' on France 2. The film, which premiered at 9:10 PM, managed to capture the attention of approximately 2.68 million viewers, amounting to 17.1% of the viewing public aged four and older, as well as 10.4% of the target demographic of women responsible for purchases aged under 50.
'Mourir Peut Attendre' is significant not only for its star power but also for the emotional depth it brings to the series. Various reviews have noted, “Mourir peut attendre n’est pas le meilleur opus, mais il est l’un des plus forts parce qu’il ose le romantisme et l’émotion.” This was echoed across discussions after its airing, as viewers reacted positively to the storyline and Craig's final portrayal of the character, noting the film's exploration of bonds both personal and professional.
Face to competition, France 2's prime time slot proved successful. Just slightly trailing was France 3, which aired 'Inspecteur Barnaby' on the same night, attracting 2.72 million viewers. The detective show also aired for the same audience demographic but could not surpass the allure of Bond's final entry.
Among competing films, TF1 presented the action-comedy 'Shotgun Wedding,' featuring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel, which gathered around 2.58 million viewers or 14.2% of the audience during its broadcast. Previous week’s rankings revealed 'Mourir Peut Attendre' to be well-positioned within the competitive French television environment, yet France 2's decision to air this iconic film on February 2 drew the spotlight and showcased the sustained popularity of the James Bond franchise.
'Mourir Peut Attendre' did not just set records with its narrative; it surpassed industry expectations with its high-octane action sequences, earning its own spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most explosives used during filming. Chris Corbould, the movie's special effects supervisor, remarked, "Nous devions déclencher trois explosions en une prise. Pendant qu'on préparait la scène, j'ai appris qu'un record au Guiness Book était en jeu.” This dedication to high-stakes action scenes culminated with more than 136 kilograms of TNT deployed, far exceeding previous records held by other films.
Historically, Craig's portrayal of Bond has changed perceptions and expanded the character's emotional range since he first stepped onto the screen as 007. Over 15 years, he has brought complexity to the role, culminating with 'Mourir Peut Attendre,' which was noted to feature both stakes and heart. Critics have pointed out how the film concludes his character arc, stating, "Il conclut ainsi avec émotion son arc narratif avec Mourir peut attendre, 25e et dernier volet de la franchise à ce jour." It’s evident the film has left audiences with mixed feelings, catalyzing discussions about the future of the franchise post-Craig.
During its airing, viewers praised the film's strong emotional resonance and action-packed narrative. Both audiences and critics have reflected on how Craig's take on Bond was significantly more relatable and vulnerable than his predecessors. This iteration has been marked by depth and resilience against the backdrop of high-stakes espionage and global threats.
'Mourir Peut Attendre' has not only sent Craig off with high ratings but has also sparked conversations about the legacy of the character and how the franchise might evolve moving forward. Audiences across the board seem to agree—the excitement built around the film was not just due to its action but due to its brave storytelling choices and character development. For many, this evening marked the end of an era.
Overall, February 2, 2025, proved to be significant for fans of the James Bond series, allowing viewers to relish the final chapter of Daniel Craig's impressive and transformative role. The film's performance during its television debut highlights the continued relevance of the Bond franchise and sets the stage for anticipated discussion revolving around who will take on the mantle of 007 next.